The Karnataka government on Thursday issued a non-bailable warrant against National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) president, Priyank Kanoongo over comparing children’s condition in Bengaluru orphanage ‘Darul Uloom Sayideeya Yateemkhana’ to medieval Taliban life.
The police registered a case on the complaint of one of the members of the orphanage against Priyank Kanoongo.
“On November 19, Priyank Kanoongo along with the District Child Protection Officer (East) and other officials conducted a surprise inspection of an illegally running unregistered orphanage named Darul Uloom Sayyadiya Yatim Khana in Bengaluru, Karnataka in which many irregularities were found,” the NCPCR said.
The NCPCR president has said that the Karnataka government wants to suppress the voice of the commission which is just talking about the rights of the poor children.
Highlighting the poor condition in which children are living in orphanage in Bengaluru, Priyank Kanoongo told ANI “There was an orphanage called Sayyediya Yateemkhana in Bangalore. We visited it under the CPCR Act. This Act gives us the duty to inspect every place where children live, especially those children who are orphans. About 200 orphan children were kept at that place, not only this, eight children were kept together in rooms of 100 square feet, and 40 children lived in the remaining 5 rooms. Apart from this, 16 children were seen in the corridor.”
बंगलुरु,कर्नाटक में दारूल उलूम सैय्यादिया यतीम खाना नाम से अवैध ढंग से चलते हुए एक ग़ैरपंजीकृत अनाथ आश्रम का औचक निरीक्षण किया जिसमें कई अनियमिततायें पायी गयीं।
यहाँ क़रीब 200 यतीम (अनाथ) बच्चों को रखा गया है। 100 वर्गफ़िट के कमरे में 8 बच्चों का रखा जाता है,ऐसे 5 कमरों में 40… pic.twitter.com/dnp1g8Wj7a
— प्रियंक कानूनगो Priyank Kanoongo (@KanoongoPriyank) November 20, 2023
He also said that the employees present there said that the children do not attend school but they are imparted the same education which is 200 years old.
“Not only this, there was no playing equipment for children in this orphanage, nor was there any TV. There were very small children who were scared. After issuing the notice, it came to light that the Karnataka government has registered a case against me under non-bailable sections. They want to suppress our voices. If we talk about the rights of poor children, the Karnataka government looks at it through the prism of religion. They talk about suppressing the commission. They have to understand that their tactics will not be successful. They will have to take action in this matter,” Priyank Kanoongo said.
“A notice has been sent to Karnataka Chief secretary and the commission has requested that an action taken report be sent to the Commission within seven (7) days of issuance of this letter,” he added.
He further said that the NCPCR has sent notices to Chief secretaries of different states to close all the unregistered orphanages that are running illegally.
(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)
The WHO has made an official request to China for detailed information on an increase in respiratory illnesses and reported clusters of pneumonia in children in the country.
Chinese authorities from the National Health Commission at a press conference on November 13, reported an increase in the incidence of respiratory diseases in China.
Chinese authorities attributed this increase to the lifting of COVID restrictions and the circulation of known pathogens such as influenza, mycoplasma pneumonia (a common bacterial infection that typically affects younger children), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), as per a release issued by the WHO.
Authorities stressed the need for enhanced disease surveillance in healthcare facilities and community settings, as well as strengthening the capacity of the health system to manage patients.
Media and ProMED on November 21 reported clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children in northern China. It is unclear if these are associated with the overall increase in respiratory infections previously reported by Chinese authorities or separate events.
On 22 November, WHO requested additional epidemiologic and clinical information, as well as laboratory results from these reported clusters among children, through the International Health Regulations mechanism.
The WHO requested further information about recent trends in the circulation of known pathogens including influenza, SARS-CoV-2, RSV and mycoplasma pneumoniae, and the current burden on healthcare systems.
WHO is also in contact with clinicians and scientists through our existing technical partnerships and networks in China, according to the release.
Since mid-October, northern China has reported an increase in influenza-like illness compared to the same period in the previous three years. China has systems in place to capture information on trends in influenza, influenza-like illnesses, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2 and reports to platforms such as the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System.
The organization recommended that people in China follow measures to reduce the risk of respiratory illness, which include recommended vaccination; keeping distance from people who are ill; staying home when ill; getting tested and medical care as needed; wearing masks as appropriate; ensuring good ventilation; and regular hand-washing.
WHO will continue to provide updates, the release said.
(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have finally unearthed the Hamas command centre and tunnels right under the Al Shifa hospital, which is Gaza’s largest hospital. Israel has claimed for decades now that the Hamas command and control centre existed under the hospital.
The IDF has now discovered the Hamas headquarter in the ground offensive it launched about two weeks ago as the next phase of its war on Hamas after the terrorists unleashed brutality on Israel on 7th October.
On 22nd November, the IDF posted two images on X, formerly Twitter, exposing the network of tunnels under Al Shifa.
Just through this door, underneath the Shifa Hospital, are Hamas’ terrorists tunnels.
In another post, the IDF shared a video showing one of its personnel taking the viewers through the tunnel shafts beneath Al Shifa. The IDF officer, referring to the hospital as “the Qatari building”, shows the large consignment of Hamas’s ammunition seized by the Israeli forces.
She then enters the tunnel and shows the doors that open to multiple rooms. In the video, a bathroom can be seen followed by a room which has an air conditioner with large wiring. “The wiring to that AC helped the combat fighters realise that there’s a tunnel here,” the IDF officer says.
The tunnel also included a separate area with a kitchen sink. Several doors could be seen through the length of the long tunnel, which the IDF claims is connected to a network of tunnels spread across under Gaza.
A first look into Hamas’ underground city, underneath the Shifa Hospital complex: pic.twitter.com/O8gEQHAfJ6
Another extensively shot 9 minute 3 seconds long video by the IDF shows IDF Spokesperson RAdm. Daniel Hagari take the viewers through the infrastructure of the tunnel. A toilet, an operation room with wiring and benches can be seen in the video.
A small kitchen area with a sink is seen in the video. “All these facilities, the water, the food are coming from the hospital meaning they are using the hospital infrastructure in order to provide this terrorism mechanism to stay alive and survive,” the IDF spokesperson said.
Once more taking the viewers through the room with the air conditioner, the officer said that the wiring of the AC goes above the hospital which helped them find the tunnel.
The tunnels have apt and heavy electrical wiring for power supply taken from the hospital. Explaining the structure, the officer said that the overhead arches of the tunnel are a unique aspect.
RAdm. Hagari said that the terrorists, anticipating the offensive by Israeli forces, attempted to damage the tunnels so that there was no proof. Some steps after, the tunnels seems to hit a blockade of sorts but not a full blockade.
An officer can be seen manning the blockade in order to defend against any possible attack. This is the point where the tunnel proceeds to the hospital compound and further leads to the tunnels located in the north side of the hospital. That tunnel has an elevator, the IDF revealed.
From the blockade, the officer goes left entering a blast door. “It is really a sophisticated mechanism designed to fight,” the IDF spokesperson says. Leading to another end, a set of stairs to head out onto the hospital compound can be seen.
On 19th November, the IDF shared another footage on X. The footage shows a 55-meter-long terrorist tunnel, 10 meters underneath the Shifa Hospital complex discovered during an intelligence-based operation.
“The tunnel entrance contains various defense mechanisms, such as a blast-proof door and a firing hole, in an attempt by Hamas to block Israeli forces from entering. For weeks we’ve been telling the world about Hamas’ cynical use of the residents of the Gaza and patients of Shifa Hospital as human shields. Here is more proof,” the IDF wrote.
OPERATIONAL UPDATE: IDF and ISA forces revealed a significant 55-meter-long terrorist tunnel, 10 meters underneath the Shifa Hospital complex during an intelligence-based operation.
The tunnel entrance contains various defense mechanisms, such as a blast-proof door and a firing… pic.twitter.com/tU4J6BD4ZG
This comes three days after IDF release footage showing Hamas terrorists entering Al Shifa with two hostages, one of whom appeared severely injured in the video. The footage was from 7th October, when Hamas terrorists launched an brutal air, sea and land attack on Israel killing at least 1,300 people including some foreign nationals and abducting more than 200 to Gaza.
The damning discovery only vindicates Israel’s long held position that Hamas terrorists have use the Al Shifa as a safe haven to not only carry out their terrorist activities but also use the patients as human shields.
The accused in the Pune (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) ISIS terror module case intended to execute a reenactment of the 2008 terror attacks against hotels and restaurants in Colaba and Nariman Point, according to a report in The Free Press Journal.
They aimed to carry out their terror operation prior to the anniversary of the deadly assaults in Mumbai which sent shockwaves around the entire world. Their goal was to launch the attacks again, particularly on hotels, restaurants and establishments such as Chabad House in Colaba.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) discovered during its inquiry that the perpetrators Shahnawaz Alam and Rizwan Ali had performed surveillance on Chabad House as well as several hotels and eateries in Mumbai. They wanted to inflict a series of explosions on the city and determine where to plant the bombs. The Intelligence reports revealed that they kept in close contact with their Pakistani handler and disclosed all the specifics of their operation, planning and implementation.
The culprits intended to follow the same course of action as the attackers on 26/11, when Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab and ten other terrorists targeted Leopold Cafe, Taj Hotel, Oberoi Hotel and Chabad House with the goal of orchestrating mass executions, per sources. A supplemental chargesheet outlining Shahnawaz Alam and Rizwan Ali’s involvement in the development and management of the terror module is scheduled for submission by the national agency.
The inquiry unveiled that the two paid Rs. 95,000 to a Vikhroli resident who had posted an advertisement for a used Enfield motorcycle on social media. They also bought a Hero XPulse from Mulund which they utilised for reconnaissance. and concealed the two-wheeler at a friend’s Panvel home after the inspection. The NIA later located and retrieved the vehicle. The probe further uncovered that they collected pictures and did an assessment of critical locations and important infrastructure.
Sangli and Satarawere on target
The NIA uncovered that the accused had chosen a few areas for training close to Pune, Sangli and Satara. They also used a drone camera, which the agency eventually retrieved, to record their operations through photography and video. Furthermore, twenty-eight audio files that were taken from the offenders during the course of the investigation contained violent instructions designed to instigate Muslims to perpetrate violence on non-Muslims.
Good with technology
According to an anonymous officer, the accused have fully embraced radicalism and are deemed to be more dangerous than the attackers of 11 September 2001 who attacked the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. They were adept at building bombs, technologically astute, and above all anti-democratic. The official stated that Sharia Law is paramount above the Indian Constitution and that participating in any kind of election is “haram” based on their fundamentalist beliefs.
Pune ISIS module
An ISIS module that was operating in the state of Maharashtra was taken down by the NIA on 3 July. The central investigation agency made four arrests during raids in Mumbai, Thane, and Pune. The accused are Tabish Nasser Siddiqui, Zubair Noor Mohammed Shaikh, Sharjeel Shaikh and Zulfikar Ali Barodawala. According to reliable information provided to the NIA, the four terrorists and their allies were enlisting young people and teaching them how to construct weapons and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Mohammed Shahnawaz Shafiuzzama Alam was arrested by the Delhi Police’s Special Cell on 2 October. He was wanted by the NIA and had a bounty of Rs 3 lakh on him. He told authorities that his terror group was targeting Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh locations throughout the nation including Hindu temples in Mumbai. He claimed to have carried out practice explosives at five locations in India including Nuh, Mewat, Delhi, Lucknow, and Rudraprayag with the goal of starting a terror assault similar to what happened on 26 September 2001.
Rizwan Abdul Haji Ali, a second-year dropout from Jamia Millia Islamia against whom the NIA had also announced a reward of Rs 3 lakh was arrested in 2018 along with his brother for alleged ISIS links but no substantial evidence was found against them. He was released after a deradicalisation programme. He went to Pune two years ago and informed his parents that he was running a computer business there. He was married there and lived with his wife and the couple returned to Delhi after his father got ill and he left his month only two months before.
On Thursday (23rd November), Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami visited his native place Sahaspur Alinagar in the Amroha district of Uttar Pradesh. While interacting with the media at his farmhouse, he expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi for visiting the Indian cricket team in their dressing room boosting their confidence after the tragic loss in the final match of the ICC Cricket World Cup against Australia. Mohammed Shami also thanked the Yogi Adityanath government for announcing a new mini stadium at Mohammed Shami’s native place. The Indian pacer hoped that more players would emerge from his area as they would benefit from the new sporting facilities.
Prime Minister coming to boost you is not a small thing
About Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Indian dressing room after the match, Mohammed Shami said, “It was very important. Because, at that time, we had lost the match. When your Prime Minister comes to you and boosts you, it is a different confidence booster. We felt like the most responsible person in the country had come to us and sympathised with us at that difficult hour.”
“Having your PM by your side boosts self-confidence.” Shami on meeting PM Modi.
He added, “This gesture was much needed indeed. Because, in such instances, the morale of the players is usually at a low. And if at such a moment, someone like the Prime Minister is standing by you and boosting your confidence, it takes your confidence to a different level altogether. I think this played a very significant part in rebuilding our confidence. Prime Minister coming to boost you is not a small thing.”
‘More players should emerge from the area I come from’, said Mohammed Shami
After an outstanding display by fast bowler Mohammad Shami, who became the leading wicket-taker in the ICC World Cup 2023, the government of Uttar Pradesh declared its intention to build a cricket stadium in the pacer’s hometown, Sahaspur Alinagar, located in the Amroha district.
Reacting to this, Mohammed Shami said, “I will visit the site where the stadium has been announced. I will definitely give some time to it. I will even offer any services which are required by me in this regard. My only message is – to work hard to identify the talent within you. When I left Amroha, everyone knew that the situation back home was not very good and fewer facilities were available here. I struggled hard to achieve this. Now, if you get the facilities here, then you have to work hard and focus on your skills.”
He added, “I think everyone should contribute to the country in a way he can. I never expected such a gift and honour. Nor did I play with the intention of getting it. But, yes, they (Yogi Adityanath government) have given a stadium to our district and I think more players should emerge from our area.”
What was going on in the team’s mind before the final match?
Answering this, the cricketer said, “There was nothing negative with us the night before the final match. We were confident. We were playing really well. Everything was going very well just like what we had planned. But, whenever we play a big game, like this one, certainly there is a pressure somewhere – even if we do not pay attention to it. And then the mind starts working like that only. Even if you want us to remain calm and cool, it does not happen until the game is over.”
अमरोहा- क्रिकेटर मोहम्मद शमी पहुंचे अमरोहा, मोहम्मद शमी ने फार्म हाउस पर की प्रेस वार्ता
➡शमी ने पीएम व सीएम योगी की तारीफ की ➡शमी नाम से स्टेडियम बनाने को लेकर किया धन्यवाद ➡शमी ने योगी आदित्यनाथ का किया धन्यवाद ➡40-50 रन और होते तो हम मैच जीत लेते- शमी. #Amroha… pic.twitter.com/Ins71w5HZ7
Mohammed Shami called out Pakistanis for their mindset
When asked about the conspiracy theories peddled by former Pakistani cricketers about the impeccable performance of team India in the World Cup, Shami said that it is usual with the Pakistani mindset. Notably, former cricketer Hasan Raza, while appearing on a Pakistani news channel, had said that ICC or BCCI is providing some special kind of balls only to Indian bowlers due to which Indian bowlers like Shami and Siraj are getting swings even on batting pitches. Hasan Raza also asserted that there should be an ‘inspection’ of balls provided by the ICC. He also alleged that decisions are being made in favour of India in the matter of DRS.
Reacting to this, Mohammed Shami said, “What can I say about this? This is known to all. This is known to every one of us. Legendary players from Pakistan who have a good reputation in the world have also explained this to them. But, still, they do not understand things. So, I cannot comment anything on that. Their mindset is just like that only.”
We should have put more runs on the board
In this media interaction, the local boy of Amroha detailed various aspects of the game played by the Indian cricket team in the final match. He said, “The only thing was that we had less runs on the board. Had there been 300-odd runs, it would have been easier for us to defend. We cannot identify one instance in the match as the turning point. We cannot blame a single thing. Overall team performance is considered to check where we stand. It is very important to work as a unit and as a group. All I can say is that – probably we fell short of the score.”
Unfortunately yesterday was not our day. I would like to thank all Indians for supporting our team and me throughout the tournament. Thankful to PM @narendramodi for specially coming to the dressing room and raising our spirits. We will bounce back! pic.twitter.com/Aev27mzni5
About the importance of toss and other technical aspects involved, he said, “Technically speaking, in day-night matches, batting is always easier in the evening. You need to take all those things into account. If the opponent is winning the toss and inviting us to bat first, we have to bat first. It is not in our hands. Maybe that was one factor that benefitted them (Australia). Secondly, we really fell short of runs. 240 is not a score against a team like Australia in the finals. Maybe 30 to 40 runs more and we might have won the World Cup.”
Mohammed Shami added, “We do not overthink about any match. We followed the same process as we did in the last ten matches. Attitude and skills were all the same. Planning was also the same as we did in the past matches. I want to repeat that there can be a bad day. And maybe with us, the final match was that bad day.”
Making the team victorious is our main goal
Mohammed Shami was not in the playing eleven of the Indian cricket team in this World Cup in the first four matches. He came to the field in the fifth match as Hardik Pandya was injured. When asked about this, he said, “My approach was that this is the World Cup. We were a squad of 15. Ashwin was sitting on the bench with me. He has 600 to 700 international wickets. From this, you can imagine the quality and strength this team had. Therefore, I never thought about who was in the playing eleven and who was not. I always think that whosoever is in the playing eleven of the match, should perform well and make the team victorious. That is our main goal.”
One should not touch the trophy with his feet
Following the final match, Australian star batsman Mitchell Marsh was seen striking a pose with his feet placed on top of the World Cup trophy. When asked about this, Mohammed Shami clearly said that he did not like this gesture. He said, “I did not like that gesture. World Cup is a trophy for which 10 teams were fighting to hold it up over their heads with pride. Keeping one’s feet on that trophy – I did not like that gesture indeed. No one should do this.”
Mitchell Marsh posing with his feet atop the World Cup Trophy. Image Source: Deccan Herald
Let’s focus on education, culture, and sports for future generations
Detailing his vision for the upcoming generations, especially from the rural areas like the one he hails from, Mohammed Shami said, “In the changing times, we can create a good culture for upcoming generations by focusing on education, culture, and sports. If our young talent or any department needs any help from me, I will be more than happy to contribute. Yes, there are less facilities in villages. But, now, I think, the government is also very helpful in all those things. Now, it is for youths to step up and show their maturity and talent. It is for them to show their skills and shine the name of the country in the world.”
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued summons to actor Prakash Raj in the Rs 100 crore Ponzi scheme linked to the Pranav Jewellers money laundering case.
Prakash Raj was the ‘Brand Ambassador’ of Pranav Jewellers, a partnership firm based out of Trichy in Tamil Nadu. He has been summoned to depose before its Chennai office in connection with the case.
It has been learned that the federal agency issued summons to Prakash Raj to get information about the payments he received from Pranav Jewellers.
The move comes after the ED conducted searches on November 20 under the provision of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 in the case of a Ponzi scheme run by certain accused persons in the name of Pranav Jewellers.
During the searches, various incriminating documents, unexplained cash of Rs 23.70 lakh, bullion, or gold jewellery weighing 11.60 kg were seized.
ED initiated investigation on the First Information Report registered by Trichy’s Economic Offences Wing against Pranav Jewellers and others, alleging that Rs 100 crore was collected from public by the firm under the guise of a gold investment scheme with the promise of high returns. Pranav Jewellers failed to return the amount to such investors.
ED investigation revealed that Pranav Jewellers and other connected persons cheated the public by diverting public funds to shell entities and entry providers under the garb of purchasing bullion or gold ornaments.
ED’s November 20 searches revealed that the supplier parties in the books of Pranav Jewellers were entry providers, who during the investigation confessed to have provided adjustment and accommodation entries to the firm for amounts over Rs 100 crores and also confessed to having given cash to the accused persons in lieu of bank payments.
(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)
In the Pratapgarh district of Uttar Pradesh, a Hindu grocery shopowner was allegedly killed by his Muslim girlfriend’s family members after she called him over to her home on Monday, November 20. The Hindu youth named Dilip Jaiswal alias Mintu was strangulated to death by his Muslim lover Nazia’s family on Monday night and then informed the deceased victim’s family about the same.
The matter pertains to Gopalapur village in Jethwara police station precinct. The 28-year-old victim and his father Parasnath Jaiswal ran a grocery business here in Ramganj Bazaar. Mintu was in love with Nazia Bano, a resident of the village Parvatpur Pure Nagia. Nazia called Mintu to her home on Monday night. Following this, Nazia’s family members strangled Dilip alias Mintu to death, and his body was found hanging from a ceiling fan. Subsequently, Nazia’s brother Asif called Mintu’s family and asked them to take Mintu away from there or they would kill him, however, when Mintu’s family arrived at Nazia’s house, the 28-year-old youth’s body was found hanging.
SP, PBH @satpal_IPS के निर्देशन में थाना जेठवारा पुलिस द्वारा "हत्या के अभियोग से संबंधित 06 अभियुक्त/अभियुक्ता गिरफ्तार"।
दिनांक 20.11.2023 को रात्रि में थाना क्षेत्र जेठवारा के ग्राम पर्वतपुर पूरे नगिया में एक युवक की हत्या कर उसके शव को फांसी पर लटका दिया गया था। pic.twitter.com/rotF5bkVet
Tension swept through the area following Dilip’s murder. Because the incident involved a Hindu-Muslim angle, policemen from three police stations, Baghrai, Maheshganj, and Jethwara, were deployed to the scene to avert any unsettling incidents.
On the complaint of the deceased victim’s brother Pradeep, Jethwara police have filed a case against Asif, Shaukat Ali, Moin, Nazia Bano, Naeem, Mohammad Saeed, Saeed’s wife, Shaukat’s wife, and two unidentified persons for Dilip’s murder.
Meanwhile, police have detained and are questioning six persons, including Nazia Bano. On Tuesday, November 21, SP Satpal Antil and ASP West Rohit Mishra arrived at the crime scene for inspection. SP Antil stated that further action would be taken based on technical and forensic investigation.
BREAKING: Communal tension erupts in Pratapgarh, UP after Mohammad Asif, along with his family, killed 28-year-old Dilip and hanged him for loving Asif's sister.
Dilip, a grocery shop owner, had fallen in love with Asif's sister, who called him at midnight. After the murder,… pic.twitter.com/H9yN514R0v
According to reports, the viscera was preserved after the deceased victim’s post-mortem due to the fear of toxic substances being found in his food. Dilip alias Mintu was the youngest among three brothers and one sister.
As soon as his body returned home following the post-mortem. His other brother, Pradeep Jaiswal, sister-in-law Aarti, and father, Parasnath, all embraced his lifeless body and began sobbing hysterically. According to the villagers, both families were aware of Dilip’s relationship with his girlfriend Nazia.
According to the deceased’s elder brother Pradeep, Dilip closed his shop on Monday night and returned home at about 7:30 p.m. Pradeep went on to say that someone called him on his phone just after Dilip had dinner. He left the house while on the phone and did not return.
Pradeep claims that at about 11.45 p.m., Asif, a Ramganj market resident, called him on his mobile. Asif told Pradeep that his brother Dilip had been caught in a room with a girl and that he needed to come fast or else people would kill Dilip.
Scared Pradeep Jaiswal arrived at the location and saw Dilip’s body hanging from the fan with the use of a dupatta in Asif’s house. Subsequently, he informed the police. In his complaint, Pradeep has alleged that Asif’s cousin Nazia Bano had called his brother to her house and murdered him.
The Supreme Court on 28th November will consider a bunch of petitions seeking to reconsider the same-sex marriage judgment which was delivered on 17th October. The five-judge bench had refused same-sex marriage for LGBTQ+ couples by a 3-2 verdict, saying that it is a domain of legislature and courts can’t dictate such matters. On 23rd November, the court agreed to consider the petitions asking for a review.
Representing queer couples, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi appeared before a bench headed by CJI DY Chandrachud and submitted that even as same-sex marriage was rejected, the bench had agreed that there was discrimination against the members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Seeking an open court hearing, Rohatgi said, “It is tentatively listed on November 28. Let it not be deleted. Apart from this, majority or minority, both views have held that there is a discrimination. If there is discrimination, there also has to be a remedy. This is why we have pressed for an open court hearing.”
The CJI responded saying that he is yet to go through the review petitions and the plea for an open court hearing will be considered. He also asked the petitioners to complete all administrative formalities of the case.
Rohatgi was accompanied by other lawyers. Some other petitions were also filed. A review petition was reportedly previously filed by Udit Sood, Saatvic, Lakshmi Manoharan and Gagandeep Paul against the 17th October verdict.
The petitioners described the verdict as “self-contradictory and manifestly unjust”. It read, “The discrimination faced by the queer community is acknowledged in the verdict but the cause of the discrimination is not removed. The legislative choices see same-sex couples as less than human by denying them equal rights.”
On 17th October, a 5-judge Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court refused to recognise same-sex marriage in India in a split 3-2 verdict.
The matter was heard by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, Justices S Ravindra Bhat, Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Hima Kohli and PS Narasimha for a total of 10 days, following which they reserved their verdict on 11th May this year.
The majority verdict against the recognition of ‘same-sex marriage, under the Special Marriage Act (SMA), came from Justice Ravindra Bhat and Justice PS Narasimha. Justice Hima Kohli supported the judgement of Justice Bhat.
Justice Ravindra Bhat upheld that marriage in itself is not a fundamental right and that the institution has been historically based on customs such as Muslim personal law, the Shariat Act, and the Karaj Act.
Justice Bhatt added that queer people have the right to choose a partner, enjoy privacy and live with dignity but their marriage cannot be recognised in the absence of codification.
The Food Safety and Drugs Authority (FSDA) units continued conducting inspections and confiscating products following the Uttar Pradesh government’s prohibition on companies issuing halal certification on food products in the state. Despite a comprehensive statewide review set for Thursday (23rd November), district administrations are actively engaging in raids and search operations across various locations.
The government led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has imposed a ban on the production, purchase, sale, and storage of halal-certified products. FIRs have also been registered against such companies at the Hazratganj police station, and raids have been conducted at various locations. The FSDA will soon release a phone number where the general public can call and provide information related to halal practices. Action will be taken based on this information.
Raids in Lucknow and Prayagraj
In Lucknow, Assistant Food Commissioner S.P. Singh, leading the FSDA team, confiscated items valued at more than Rs 26,000 from four locations. Similarly, in Prayagraj, the FSDA team conducted inspections at several outlets.
Over the last two days, teams led by Mamta, the Assistant Commissioner of Food, conducted thorough inspections at 95 locations in Lucknow. In these raids, samples totalling Rs 6,500 in value were confiscated and subsequently sent to the laboratory. The seized products encompassed items such as baking soda, cocoa powder, ready-to-eat foods like vegetable burger patties and vegetable momos, in addition to various confectionery items.
At the Blinkit store in Bantara Karauli, packets of salted almonds, party snacks, and mixed vegetables were confiscated. Raids have been conducted at various other locations, including Spencors Retail Fun Mall in Gomti Nagar, Grocers Store in Ruchi Khand Ashiyana, Reliance Store, Ashraf General Store, Shyam Provision Store, Raju Kirana Store, Narayan Provision Store, Subhash Oil and Nishatganj’s Botanical Store, All About Dessert in Indiranagar, Brijwasi Bakery, Sri General Store in Bapu Tameau, Mukesh Departmental Store in Alam Bagh, Golden Bakery, Smart Point in Krishna Nagar, Shakooja Mart in Chandar Nagar, and Keshav Store in Hazratganj.
Anti-Halal Raids on McDonald’s and other outlets in Lucknow
A raid was conducted at a McDonald’s outlet in the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow. The reason behind this action was the utilization of products certified as halal at McDonald’s. On Wednesday (22nd November 22) a team from the Food Safety Department carried out an inspection at the outlet, during which rapper bases were seized. These rapper bases were being used in the preparation of pizzas. 68 packets of tortilla wraps have been seized from McDonald’s.
The FSDA (Food Safety and Drugs Administration) department’s team confiscated all the items. During the seizure, the Assistant Commissioner provided information that teams are now being sent to all McDonald’s outlets to investigate where products certified as halal are being used.
Raids in Gorakhpur and Ayodhya
In Gorakhpur‘s city market, a total of Rs 40,000 worth of food items were confiscated from various locations. Under the leadership of Hitendra Mohan Tripathi, the teams gathered samples, including noodles, toffees, coffee, brown sugar, and edible curry mixes. Simultaneously, in Ayodhya, a team headed by Manik Chandra Singh procured samples of packaged spices from the central market in the city.
Raids of a similar nature were carried out in more than two dozen districts, spanning locations such as Kanpur, Ayodhya, Gautam Budh Nagar, Sitapur, Lakhimpur Kheri, Gorakhpur, Etawah, Auraiyya, and Rae Bareli.
On 21st November (local time), Financial Times reported that US authorities thwarted a plot to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil. Pannun is the founder of banned Khalistani organisation Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). He projects himself as a “general counsel” and pushes for an independent Sikh state called “Khalistan”. The FT report suggested that the US officials have issued a “warning” to the Indian government against the plot to attack Khalistani separatist leaders and terrorists on the American soil.
The report echoed the allegations made by the Canadian government that India is targeting Khalistani leaders on foreign lands. In September 2023, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian agents of being involved in the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Interestingly, FT’s report came around the same time when The Intercept published a report based on “leaked Pakistani intelligence” that Sikh separatist leaders or pro-Khalistani elements are on RAW’s target in Pakistan and other countries.
Coming back to Pannun, SFJ was declared a terrorist organisation by the Indian Home Ministry under UAPA due to its involvement in armed secessionist movements and anti-India activities. Pannun holds American and Canadian citizenship and is known for issuing threats against India. Recently, he threatened to blow up an Air India flight and disrupt India’s Cricket World Cup final match.
After his threatening video went viral on social media, Canadian security agencies finally woke up and increased security at the airports. Some of the suspected pro-Khalistani elements were detained from Toronto Airport a few days before the date mentioned by Pannun in the video, but further details about those arrests remained unknown.
In its report, FT indicated that the US officials did not specify if their protest to India prompted the alleged plotters to abandon the assassination plan or if it happened after the intervention of the FBI. Interestingly, the US reportedly shared intelligence with Canada about the plot of Nijjar’s murder, leading to the accusations against India.
Despite the claims, the US Justice Department, FBI, and National Security Council presented no valid information and declined to comment, which is, in fact, on the same lines that Canada has taken in terms of accusations against India over Nijjar’s murder.
‘Pannun is a CIA agent’
It is essential to look into why the US is not taking any action against Pannun when he is openly threatening India. Being US citizen, it is the US’s responsibility to put a leash on him. However, Pannun managed to escape all legal pathways and continue to threaten the sovereignty of India. Its answer may come to the fore with a two-month-old report.
As per media reports, Indian NSA Ajit Doval had informed his US counterpart, Jake Sullivan, that India was not taking any action against Pannun just because Indian agencies were aware that he was a CIA agent. If the reports are to be believed, Canada and the US may exploit the movement against India.
The US, Canada, Australia and the UK failed to address India’s concerns
India has been actively speaking against the increasing threats to its diplomats on foreign land. Furthermore, there has been a spike in the attacks on Hindus and Hindu establishments in the West. Temples are being damaged, Hindus and pro-Indian individuals are being attacked, calls for the assassination of Indian diplomats are being made. Indian government’s establishments, including counsel offices, were attacked, and Indian flags were desecrated in these countries multiple times without much legal consequences. Furthermore, Pannun flew freely across these countries and ran a so-called referendum provoking Sikhs to demand an independent state of Khalistan.
Countries like the US and Canada have ignored Interpol notices and India’s requests for the extradition of wanted criminals. In January this year, India requested extradition of several criminals. Some of them include Mandeep Singh Nijjar, Satinderjeet Singh alias Goldy Brar, Lakhbir Singh alias Landa, Gurjit Singh Cheema, Gurjinder Singh Pannu, Tehal Singh and Malkeet Singh alias Fauji. All of these have Interpol’s Red Corner Notices issued against them.
Furthermore, lookout notices were issued against Arshdeep Singh Gill alias Arsh Dalla, Ramandeep Singh alias Raman Judge, and Snover Dhillon. The Red Corner Notices against them are pending.
Deteriorating law and order situation in Canada and Pakistan
There have been several reports that Pakistan is funding Khalistani movement. Now, when Khalistani terrorists are being killed in Canada and Pakistan in gang wars, these countries are hell-bent on blaming India for the same. Interestingly, such killings on their lands only expose the worsening law and order situation.
Pakistan is known for harbouring criminals, including wanted terrorists. India has exposed the neighbouring country countless times on international platforms. How can one forget that Osama Bin Laden, the mastermind behind 9/11, was found and killed in Pakistan by the US forces? A detailed account of the day from a local’s perspective when he was killed can be seen here.
Interestingly, Canada is no different. It is known for sheltering criminals, gangsters and terrorists. Not only those, but Canada is also famous for housing Nazi soldiers. They “accidentally” honoured one of them in the Canadian Parliament in September this year. Nazi soldier Yaroslav Hunka was deemed a “war hero” by the Canadian Parliament. However, after the worldwide backlash, Canada claimed it made a mistake and was “unaware” of Hunka’s past.
Dr S Jaishankar urged Canada to present proof.
Not to forget, Minister of External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar has openly said that he is against any state-sponsored assassinations. Furthermore, he urged Canada on an open forum to present proof of India’s involvement in Nijjar’s murder and promised to look into it. However, Canada has so far decided to avoid coming forward with any substantial evidence.
Those who know about international politics and diplomacy understand that India is extensively careful about its image on international platforms. Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took charge at the centre, India has projected itself as the voice of the Global South and has become the voice of the developing countries. India is more concerned about the development and maintaining law and order on its land rather than going on a hunt for criminals living on foreign lands.
India is a democratic country and believes in fighting its battles lawfully. However, the Indian public would not mind if a few wanted criminals and terrorists were dropped by “unknown assailants” on foreign land, of course, without the Indian government’s intervention.
